2019 BMW 330I: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Aug 26, 2026 · Engine · NY

On XXX approximately 2:02am my car was seen on fire parked in driveway on [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 23, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 110,000 miles · GA · fire

The contact owned a 2019 BMW 330I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence in the driveway, there was an abnormal cracking sound coming from outside the residence. The contact checked and became aware that the vehicle was on fire. The vehicle was unoccupied at the time. The contact stated that the residential camera showed that the fire had started by the front driver's side tire. The Fire Department arrived at the residence and extinguished the fire. The residence and the vehicle were consumed by the fire. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. No injuries were sustained. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Feb 25, 2026 · Electrical · NY · fire

Description of the Problem: •Component/system that failed: The engine starter, which is subject to an open recall issued September 23, 2025. The starter was not replaced during a service visit. The vehicle no longer exists due to the fire, but the VIN and service records are available for inspection. •Safety risk: The starter malfunction caused the vehicle to catch fire while parked, creating a serious safety risk to myself, my child, and others nearby. •Problem reproduction/confirmation: The fire and defect were confirmed by BMW’s inspection as originating from the starter irregularity tied to the recall. •Inspections: The vehicle was inspected by BMW North America’s engineering team after the fire, and insurance representatives confirmed the total loss. •Warning signs prior to failure: There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms indicating the starter defect before the fire. Additional context: The vehicle was serviced at an authorized BMW dealership on December 3, 2025. I was not informed of the recall, and the starter was not replaced. The vehicle caught fire on December 19, 2025, resulting in a total loss. While my insurance resolved the ACV, this incident was caused by BMW’s recall-related defect and procedural failure. I have escalated this matter to BMW North America and am requesting a resolution that restores me to a comparable position (replacement vehicle or financial support). Official confirmation: BMW North America confirmed in a confidential letter that the fire originated from the starter defect tied to the open recall. This letter is available for review upon request.

Filed Dec 9, 2025 · Electrical · 57,000 miles · GA · fire

The contact owned a 2019 BMW 330I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on the driveway, the vehicle caught fire. The contact called the fire department, and the fire was extinguished. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and was declared a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. The contact stated that recently he had received a recall notice from the manufacturer for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System). The contact related the fire to the description of the recall of the fire risk when parked. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

Filed Nov 21, 2025 · GA · fire

My parked vehicle, with the ignition off, caught fire while I was inside the gym. Within10-15 mins of entering the gym, the gym intercom announced that a car matching the description of my vehicle was on fire on the parking lot. When I went outside, firefighters were actively extinguishing the flams and cutting in the hood of the car. The vehicle was ultimately destroyed and considered a total loss. The vehicle has an active recall warning of a potential fire risk, even when the car is parked and turned off. The fire occurred without any action on my part, and I could have been seriously injured or killed. Also, others as well.

Filed Jul 21, 2022 · Engine · 4,500 miles · CT · fire

The contact owned a 2019 BMW 330i. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, smoke was seen coming from under the hood of the vehicle. After stopping and exiting the vehicle, flames were then present coming from under the hood and the fire department was called to the scene. The flames were extinguished. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. A fire report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,500.